Octonions and M-theory

We consider a straightforward extension of the 4-dimensional spacetime $M_4$ to the space of extended events associated with strings/branes, corresponding to points, lines, areas, 3-volumes, and 4-volumes in $M_4$. All those objects can be elegantly represented by the Clifford numbers $X\equiv x^A \gamma_A \equiv x^{a_1 ...a_r} \gamma_{a_1 ...a_r}, r=0,1,2,3,4$. This leads to the concept of the so-called Clifford space ${\cal C}$, a 16-dimensional manifold whose tangent space...

Ramond has observed that the massless multiplet of eleven-dimensional supergravity can be generated from the decomposition of certain representation of the exceptional Lie group F4 into those of its maximal compact subgroup Spin(9). The possibility of a topological origin for this observation is investigated by studying Cayley plane, OP2, bundles over eleven-manifolds Y. The lift of the topological terms gives constraints on the cohomology of Y which are derived. Topological ...

As is well-known, the real quaternion division algebra $ {\cal H}$ is algebraically isomorphic to a 4-by-4 real matrix algebra. But the real division octonion algebra ${\cal O}$ can not be algebraically isomorphic to any matrix algebras over the real number field ${\cal R}$, because ${\cal O}$ is a non-associative algebra over ${\cal R}$. However since ${\cal O}$ is an extension of ${\cal H}$ by the Cayley-Dickson process and is also finite-dimensional, some pseudo real matri...

In this work, we consider matroid theory. After presenting three different (but equivalent) definitions of matroids, we mention some of the most important theorems of such theory. In particular, we note that every matroid has a dual matroid and that a matroid is regular if and only if it is binary and includes no Fano matroid or its dual. We show a connection between this last theorem and octonions which at the same time, as it is known, are related to the Englert's solution ...

In this article, the clarification to Note 4 (arXiv:1202.0941) for n=8 is considered. In this connection, answers to the following questions are given. 1. How to classify the metric hypercomplex orthogonal group alternative-elastic algebras for n=8? 2. How to associate the metric hypercomplex orthogonal group alternative-elastic algebra to the symmetric controlling spinor for n=8? 3. How technically to construct the symmetric controlling spinor for n=8? 4. What class ...

The best candidate for a fundamental unified theory of all physical phenomena is no longer ten-dimensional superstring theory but rather eleven-dimensional {\it M-theory}. In the words of Fields medalist Edward Witten, ``M stands for `Magical', `Mystery' or `Membrane', according to taste''. New evidence in favor of this theory is appearing daily on the internet and represents the most exciting development in the subject since 1984 when the superstring revolution first burst o...

A vexing problem involving nonassociativity is resolved, allowing a generalization of the usual complex Mobius transformations to the octonions. This is accomplished by relating the octonionic Mobius transformations to the Lorentz group in 10 spacetime dimensions. The result will be of particular interest to physicists working with lightlike objects in 10 dimensions.

Witten's approach to Khovanov homology of knots is based on the five-dimensional system of partial differential equations, which we call Haydys-Witten equations. We argue for a one-to-one correspondence between its solutions and solutions of the seven-dimensional system of equations. The latter can be formulated on any G2 holonomy manifold and is a close cousin of the monopole equation of Bogomolny. Octonions play the central role in our view, in which both the seven-dimensio...

In 1934, Jordan et al. gave a necessary algebraic condition, the Jordan identity, for a sensible theory of quantum mechanics. All but one of the algebras that satisfy this condition can be described by Hermitian matrices over the complexes or quaternions. The remaining, exceptional Jordan algebra can be described by 3x3 Hermitian matrices over the octonions. We first review properties of the octonions and the exceptional Jordan algebra, including our previous work on the oc...

In this article I propose a new criterion to extend the Standard Model of particle physics from a straightforward algebraic conjecture: the symmetries of physical microscopic forces originate from the automorphism groups of main Cayley-Dickson algebras, from complex numbers to octonions and sedenions. This correspondence leads to a natural enlargement of the Standard Model color sector, from a SU(3) gauge group to an exceptional Higgs-broken G(2) group, following the octonion...